Frequently Asked Questions

Can you apply the CTI system over painted concrete?

Yes, though it generally will need to be scarified or sandblasted to remove the paint enough to where our product will bond with the original concrete.

Will cracks reoccur?

Though we do everything possible to treat cracks and do eliminate 90% of them, it is possible they may reoccur. If they do, it is usually in the form of a hairline, which is not objectionable as it is largely hidden in the texture. However, if a crack becomes too objectionable, it is easy to repair. Proper placement of tension cuts greatly reduces the chance of the crack returning. Check cracking is a natural phenomenon which occurs in rock, dried-out mud flats, paint, and concrete and in ceramic coatings. Cracks in the concrete may be structural or surface cracks. Surface cracks are generally less than a few millimeters wide and deep. These are often called hairline or check cracks and may consist of single, thin cracks, or cracks in a craze/map-like pattern. A small number of surface or shrinkage cracks is common and does not usually cause any problems. Surface cracks can be caused by freezing and thawing, poor construction practices, and alkali-aggregate reactivity. Alkali-aggregate reactivity occurs when the aggregate reacts with the cement causing crazing or check cracks. Structural cracks in the concrete are usually larger than 1/8 inch in width. They extend deeper into the concrete and may extend all the way through a wall, slab, or other structural member. Structural cracks are often caused by settlement of the fill material supporting the concrete structure, or by loss of the fill support due to erosion. The structural cracks may worsen in severity due to the forces of weathering.

How do you treat cracks in the concrete prior to the CTI application?

Cracks are ground out with a cup grinder to produce a “V”. A two-part epoxy with a chopped fiberglass filament is then introduced into the crack and will re-bond the crack.

How do you treat control or expansion joints?

All existing control joints should remain in the surface to allow for expansion and contraction of the original concrete. They are not coated with the CTI system and are masked off. We can, however, work to ensure these joints match the rest of the look of the surfaces.

What is Concrete Technology Inc.’s Product?

CTI’s main product line called the “Hallmark System”, is a color integrated, modified acrylic cement product made of Portland cement, silica sand and a modified acrylic resin for its bonding agent.

What warranty is involved?

CTI offers a 10-year limited material warranty on its Hallmark System against, dramatic fading, delamination, and general product failure.

Does the pool have to be drained?

No, the pool should be full. If the pool were empty, the CTI system overspray would stain the plaster. If full, any small amount of overspray can be dealt with by allowing the overspray to settle to the bottom, then shutting off the filter, and pumping the material to waste and bypassing all filters.

How long does it take to do a job?

An average job will take 1 to 2 days. Larger, more complex jobs may take longer. Clean foot traffic is usually allowed within the same day.

What colors does it come in?

We have a variety of standard colors to choose from. However, we can custom produce any color you wish for a minimal extra charge.

What does it look like?

CTI’s systems achieve a look, texture and color of any type stone or look you require. A base coat is applied that fixes any imperfections in the original concrete. A design is then laid over it and a hopper gun shoots on a textured layer over that. A final clear coat is put over the system that is nonporous and protects it as well as makes it very easy to maintain. Mold, mildew, motor oil, etc. can be sprayed off with a regular garden hose. Common detergents can be used to remove tough or repetitive latencies. Visit our Photo Gallery to see some examples!

How thick is it?

We generally apply our systems on old concrete between 3/32″ to 1/8″. CTI’s systems are thin layered cements which depend on adhesion through the use of modified acrylics.

Is CTI’s Hallmark product the only product it manufactures?

Concrete Technology Inc. manufactures a full line of concrete beautification and restoration products for both residential and commercial use. CTI has different products that can be used over concrete floors, existing countertops, and even walls. In the commercial setting, Concrete Technology manufactures a line of tough, durable epoxy and urethane floor coatings that can protect concrete even in the harshest of environments.